the learning curve

 

 For the most part, the artisan woodworker will be producing one off unique pieces of furniture in their workshops. Okay there will be the odd item that follows the design of another, the same moulding cutter or assembly detail will be reused.  However for the most part as a new project is started, the process of learning starts too.

About a year ago I took on a commission to make a simple bridge to span a water feature in a clients garden. After the usual design consultation over a glass of wine, it was desided to make the bridge in Europeian Oak with Iron fish of diffrent sizes set in to the timber in a random pattern. This project was actually featured in my first ever blog. 

Any of you who have combined Iron and Oak before, and then added water will know of the chemical reaction that takes place. A deep purpleish stain will spread into the area around the Iron, which is impossible to remove. Even Oak kitchen worktops that have had their finish cut back with wire wool will be affected by tiny flex of Iron stain.

To counter this reaction I spent many hours researching a suitable heavy duty chemical coating for both the Oak timber and the Iron fish, which would seal each and prevent any reaction. In the end I found two separate finishes that I felt would be up to the task. One was a timber treatment used in the marine industry, the other a metal coating found in vehicle production.

Unfortunately,as the pictures show, neither product lived up to the manufactures promise, or maybe I was expecting too much of them. After trying a few other products we finally decided we weren't going to achive a long term solution to making this design work, and a radical rethink was called for. The solution was a bridge made from reclamed Teak timbers from a local pier. The surface of the wood had a lovely sea worn texture, but was tough and durable. The fish were turned into  an atractive garden sculpture.

All was well in the end, the clients had a bridge they loved and we had learned a lot along the way. That's what the jobs all about.